Care of the Prepuce in the Uncircumcised Child: Reinforcing Nature's Laws of Health

Abstract

The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer recommends circumcision. Knowledge concerning the natural uncircumcised state can help clinicians and parents provide proper care of the prepuce. Phimosis, smegma, inadequate urinary stream, paraphimosis, and balanoposthitis often provoke inappropriate interventions. These conditions are described and implications for nursing practice and health teaching are discussed.